Anyone with experience of keeping donkeys, please?

I know very little about donkey keeping other than they can be very noisy! A friend had some and they woke the family up every morning. No chance of a lie in when the donks wanted their breakfast

Are you near a donkey sanctuary Fleurpepper?

foxie48

If there have been horses on the grass for several years I think it would be fine for donkeys and they'll eat the stuff that horses leave as they are less picky. Rich dairy grass would probably be a no no but you don't have that.

If there have been horses on the grass for years, one must firstly check out if the ground is now wormy which would be totally unsuitable.

Have you done this check OP?

foxie48

It's pretty similar to looking after ponies but they are less tolerant of cold wet weather so they need a shelter. Generally you need an acre for 2 donkeys, they'll need their hooves trimmed about every 6 weeks and picked out every day. They also need a good clean water supply. I've not kept them, we have them locally and I think they are lovely but they are a commitment and need to be checked on a daily basis. Good luck if you go ahead.

Thanks, over an acre, clean water, shelter. Great local farrier and vet who is happy to visit. So may donkeys need rescue care, and the meadow is now not being used, seems a shame.

No it has not. And yes, I will admit I do not have experience but would get proper support from local friends who do, and who would help. You do not need to worry.

All I am asking about it about grass being to rich.

If the stable hasn’t been built has the planning permission expired? Really fp, do you consider you are capable of properly caring for donkeys 24/7, 365 days a year, if you are asking these questions? You don’t demonstrate any knowledge or experience and that’s very worrying.

We have always had horses and ponies. Learning on the job is too risky if you haven’t a clue or previously learned what is required to safely attend to their welfare. It’s not as easy as plonking a couple of equines in a field.
I would strongly advise you help out and learn as you go along at nearby stables before taking on this responsibility.

If there have been horses on the grass for several years I think it would be fine for donkeys and they'll eat the stuff that horses leave as they are less picky. Rich dairy grass would probably be a no no but you don't have that.

Good luck in achieving this as so many donkeys are looking for homes. I take my hat off to folk who care for horses and donkeys as they are so dedicated (hopefully).

That may depend on where this meadow is.

No need for planning permission as already granted for horse stable, and water available. Farrier happy to come here.

My question is about meadow grass bein too rich or not.

Perhaps you don’t need planning permission in countries outside the UK.

As with rescue dogs, I doubt learning on the job would be acceptable. You would need planning permission for a permanent field shelter and of course you would need a water supply and people to see to the animals every day if you went on holiday. My neighbour has two rescue horses and a pony - she works like a dog feeding, grooming, checking the animals, clearing poo from the meadows and mucking out the stables daily, washing rugs, mending fences etc. and of course has to have a horse box to take them to the vet and farrier. I love watching the horses but I sure don’t envy her. But she’s worked with horses all her life and to her it’s a way of life. I take the easy way out and donate to equine charities.

How about a couple of (rescue) goats who would surely feel at home on your meadow?

m.youtube.com/watch?v=9vtq9t08ktU

It's pretty similar to looking after ponies but they are less tolerant of cold wet weather so they need a shelter. Generally you need an acre for 2 donkeys, they'll need their hooves trimmed about every 6 weeks and picked out every day. They also need a good clean water supply. I've not kept them, we have them locally and I think they are lovely but they are a commitment and need to be checked on a daily basis. Good luck if you go ahead.

Of course I would be advised and supported by people in the know, if and when. And of course we would provide suitable shelter. Not been horses in the field for 3 years now.

I’m not sure you would be allowed donkeys if you have no experience of keeping them. You don’t mention any form of stable or shelter.

I've never had donkeys but I believe they are quite susceptible to equine influenza and don't have a very good cough reflex.
So it's best to make sure they've been vaccinated if there were horses in the field before them. And they don't like cold and wet.

That's my knowledge of donkeys!